The best essays in 'The God Beat' are quietly reflective, deeply informed, subjective but not solipsistic.

What if instead of a few philosopher-kings magnanimously steering the unruly mob, we focused on building a democracy full of philosopher folks?

Is there a way to fight back?

Our democracy demands that we refrain from using party politics as a stand-in for unshakable creeds. Rather, we must practice and honor dissent.

A month before this Independence Day, a group of 100 scholars warned about “the recent deterioration of U.S. democracy.” America has been covering this topic from all angles; here are highlights from our archives.

Activists who oppose the death penalty said the Justice Department’s temporary stop of federal executions is a step in the right direction — but not enough.

The Justice Department is halting federal executions after a historic use of capital punishment by the Trump administration, which carried out 13 executions in six months.

Both political parties keep trying to claim Pope Francis but anyone who pays close attention knows that the pope transcends the ideologies of the moment in the United States.

If you're thinking about leaving, your feelings are valid. But the biggest thing you could do in response to this is go receive the Eucharist.

Protection of voting rights is a moral issue, according to Sister Anita Baird, who was on a panel discussion during a June 21 online forum on voting rights sponsored by Georgetown University.